Arrival at Lecce and check in.
Welcome briefing and bike fit with a member of Puglia Cycle Tours crew.

≅ 45 km

The first stage takes place totally inland, leaving behind the congested urban core and heading west through flat rural areas. They are marked by dry stone walls, olive groves and indigenous vineyards involved in the production of “red” wine.  After the visit to small towns, where it is possible to stop for a winery visit, we proceed to the lower Ionian Murgia, famous for the production of Primitivo, in the direction of Avetrana.

⇑ + 200mt     ⇓ – 190mt

≅ 63 km

This second day leads toward the Ionian coast. Past the centre of Avetrana, we follow a secondary road for a few kilometres to soon reach the sea. Leaving the sandy path, we proceed to the mighty Torre Colimena, a splendid and very well-preserved example of a 16th-century watchtower. Once past the residential core, we proceed along the coast to Porto Cesareo, a characteristic small port that is home to a thriving fish market and an ideal place for a coffee and ice cream break. The day continues as we reach the scenic promontory of Porto Selvaggio (the only drop of the stage) and then head down to the bays of Santa Caterina and Santa Maria al Bagno, renowned centres of local seaside tourism. After a swim and a lunch break, the last 15 kilometres flow quickly to Gallipoli, the “beautiful city” (Καλλίπολις – Kallípolis – that’s the meaning in Greek), also known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.”

⇑ + 310mt     ⇓ – 370mt

≅ 51 km

This stage is as easy as it is enchanting: just get on your bike and enjoy one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Ionian Coast of South Salento, characterised by watchtowers and sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Your destination is Santa Maria di Leuca, also known as ‘De Finibus Terrae’ because, according to some, here the currents of the Adriatic and Ionian seas mix. In fact, geographers claim that it is more precisely at Capo d’Otranto that they meet. What is the truth? Once you get to the bottom of the heel of Italy, the choice will be up to you!

⇑ + 260mt     ⇓ – 250mt

≅ 53 km

Today it’s time to go up through the Adriatic Coast of Salento! Are you ready to discover the other amazing part of Puglia coast? Open your eyes wide because there are several  coastal attractions in your route like Il Ciolo, Grotta Zinzulusa and Porto Badisco. Your final destination is Otranto, the “pearl of the Mediterranean”, included in the UNESCO cultural heritage. But before reaching Otranto, you will get to the extreme tip of Puglia, where you will enjoy an incredible spectacle!

⇑ + 650mt     ⇓ – 660mt

≅ 55 km

A counter-clockwise tour that will introduce you to the most authentic Salento hinterland. You will start from Grecìa Salentina, a linguistic island in the heart of Salento, where the locals still speak a dialect derived from medieval Greek. You will pass through the villages of Melpignano and Corigliano, which will surprise you with palaces and castles of great beauty. Then have a stop in Maglie: strolling through the old town, you can admire its churches and palaces but also do some shopping or enjoy a great pasticciotto! Before returning to Otranto, you will take the way back to the countryside to explore the area of dolmens and menhirs, megalithic evidence of prehistoric times.

⇑ + 360mt     ⇓ – 360mt

≅ 56 km

Your final route contains the best that the Salento area has to offer: sea and olive groves, history and baroque architecture, small villages, bright colors and intense flavors. This would be the best goodbye ever! First of all hidden in nature, you will also find the wonderful Alimini Lakes. Immediately after, you will cycle towards the coast surrounded by centenary olive trees, until you reach the “Grotta della Poesia“, recognized by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world. A few meters further on, you will also find the archaeological park of Roca Vecchia, an important settlement from medieval times. From here on, the path winds along the sea and the cliffs between Torre dell’Orso and Sant’Andrea. Finally before getting back to  Lecce you will reach Acaya, a wonderful fortified village between Lecce and Otranto, once an outpost against Saracen pirate raids. The elegant capital of Baroque art awaits you for your last day, enjoy it! 

⇑ + 230mt    ⇓ – 180mt

After breakfast, end of services.